Will you .... respect the dignity of every human being?
The above quote is in the Anglican BAS for baptism, confirmation, Easter mass, etc. I've always liked saying that and presumed since I'm not intentionally a bully then I'm okay. Aaah, right/wrong thinking - followed by check-marks of succeed/fail. Ouch! That's a hard way to live. Today God showed me He is trying to grow my capacity for bestowing dignity on others. I've came to the realization that, for me, Christianity is not a self-improvement course; but a gift of grace. I want to learn about dignity so when the Holy Spirit nudges me to participate in offering dignity, I will obey. I'm also blessed I couldn't find any article on how to offer dignity in 5 easy steps... so I get the blessed opportunity to learn from Abba Father God.
Today I participated in a conversation that left me feeling appreciated, heard and dignified. It caused me to look at my own interpersonal skills. I fell short of where I want to be. I am okay with that. It seems God is now taking me on the journey to expand my ability and understanding of offering dignity to others. I am excited.
I have a feeling that over the next weeks and months that God will show me many styles of offering dignity until the methods of lavishing dignity on others will permeate my personality and flow from my inner core - life in Christ. I think there's a big correlation between humbleness and offering dignity.
As I analyzed the short conversation, I realized that by offering dignity to another; it increases the dignity of the offer-er. That's so much like my heavenly Father - give and it will be given to you.
Heavenly Father, Teach me this new skill in your tender, gentle, validating way. Amen.
Debbie
